Gifting Suites

Platinum Publicity’s Oscar Lounge Encourages People to “Be the Change”

Cash for your car

Inspired by Barack Obama’s Call to Action, the Platinum Publicity Oscar Lounge encouraged celebs and other VIPs to “be the change”. Raising awareness for volunteerism was at the forefront of the intimate Oscar gifting lounge held at the upscale hotel and residence The Palihouse in West Hollywood, where the volunteer organization www.USAservice.org was featured. USAService.org pairs individuals with volunteer projects, encouraging people to pull together and help their communities and fellow citizens.

Amber Smith from Sober House, actor Brandon Molale, Shar Jackson, Kathy Hilton

Amber Smith from Sober House, actor Brandon Molale, Shar Jackson, Kathy Hilton

What’s In a Name?

A-listers were treated to sparkling Izze juices or Alize cocktails that were creatively named to coincide with some of this year’s Oscar nominees. The “Slumdog Sparkler,” “Revolutionary Rose,” and “The Curious Cordial of Benjamin Button” all were a refreshing hit.

Alize Natural Juice and Alcohol Beverage

Alize Natural Juice and Alcohol Beverage

Celebs Came Out to Mingle
The elite gathering that visited Melanie Segal’s Platinum Publicity gifting lounge were varied in their nature and talents.
Christine Devine and Melanie Segal

Christine Devine and Melanie Segal with a child from Wednesday's Child adoption agency.

From supermodel Amber Smith of “Sober House” to Kathy Hilton of the famed Hilton clan, celebrities turned out to the receive fabulous goodies ranging from shoes to jackets and manicures. Leyla Milani of NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” enjoyed her MBT footwear, Shauna Sands Llamas brought family, and Jai Rodriquez of Bravo Network’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” graciously stopped for photos.

FOX 11’s Christine Devine, whose “Wednesday’s Child” segment profiles foster children seeking loving families, brought with her a special child who received some pampering.

Charles Segal, Man of Music

Charles Segal

Also on-hand at the fun-filled event was Charles Segal (Melanie’s Segal’s dad) with Hollywood Piano, who has amassed a formidable body of work, composing over 2,000 songs and performing on more than 200 albums. His talents as a jazz and commercial pianist and composer have lent themselves to a wide variety of tunes, from beloved children’s musicals to spirited jazz to soothing compositions to loving melodies (www.CharlesSegal.com).

The Gifting Gurus

Some of the vendors that gave useful and gorgeous gifts included:

Ada Handbags (www.adahandbags.com). Beautifully handcrafted from Argentina, Ada handbags are inspired by world travels that exude simplicity and elegance for every woman. Ada handbags maintain quality clean lines and sophistication that will get you noticed for your unique elegant style rather than flash.

MBT (www.swissmasaius.com). Unique footwear that activates leg and butt muscles while simply standing or walking. Their line consists of everything from athletic to professional shoes, sandals to boots. MBT considers themselves the “anti-shoe,” whose products not only firm and tone but also assist with posture and hip, leg or foot problems.

Leila Melani Shows Off MBT Shoes

Leyla Milani Shows Off MBT Shoes

Corum Watches (www.lussori.com). Brilliant pieces with everything a man or woman needs to shine. Their fine timepieces are simple yet elegant. Corum has given the Gold Coin Watch, with a $20 gold coin encased inside it it, to every U.S. president since Nixon after their inauguration. Corum watches are worn by some of the most well-known names in entertainment the industry.

Beautiful Corum Timepieces

Beautiful Corum Timepieces

Blurb.com (www.blurb.com). Express your creativity or share a vacation by creating your own photography book online. Easy step-by-step guide will help you customize your personal layout for the look you want. Super easy to do and it is delivered right to your door. Makes for a wonderfully thoughtful gift or a great conversation starter on your coffee table created by you!

Sense (www.beautifulscience.com). Just like proper nutrition for the body, Sense works at the cellular level, getting to the source for great skin. Clinically proven to smooth fine lines and wrinkles with new patented Self-Preserving Technology free of chemical preservatives and parabens. It is naturally formulated to revitalize skin cells, leaving the skin rejuvenated and refreshed. You feed your body with proper nutrition; shouldn’t you do the same for your skin?

Jai Rodriquez with Sense

Jai Rodriquez with Sense

Sharpie (www.sharpie.com). Sharpie marker is getting a makeover. The classic smooth high-quality marker you know and love is now sleeker than ever in a stylish stainless steel design. The new marker is refillable and is perfect for any project you may have. Write out loud with the new stylish sharpie!

Kathy Hilton Wields Her  Sharpie

Kathy Hilton Wields Her Sharpie

Mobile Spa (www.mobilespalosangeles.com). Wouldn’t it be wonderful if after a hard day’s work you could come home and get a professional massage or facial? Or for a big event not worry about battling traffic just have your hair and nails primped and polished? The new Mobile Spa makes it possible, delivering professional high-quality spa services to your home, office, hotel, or filming locations. Now that’s a treat!

Hollywood Piano (www.hollywoodpiano.com). Keeping musicians’ prized instruments working at their premium is what Hollywood Piano does. Serving the largest names in entertainment since 1928, they provide professional tuning, repairs, sales and rentals. This family-owned business’s pianos are the top choice for motion picture, television, entertainment, and recording professionals.

Hollywood Piano Covers the Bases Musically

Hollywood Piano Covers the Bases Musically

Makeup Mandy (www.makeupmandy.com). Want A-list treatment for a special event? Make up Mandy Eyelash Bar and Makeup Studio provides a taste of old Hollywood glamour in the modern era. Specializing in creating lavish lashes with eyelash extensions, Makeup Mandy is also a makeup expert working on the likes of Leighton Meester, Stacy Keebler, and Vivica A. Fox

Storm of London (www.stormwatches.com). Exclusive London-based brand features an amazing line of unique, stylish watches and accessories. Sold in more than 45 countries worldwide, the collection is available in Shanghai, Riga, Prague, Bratislava, Dubai, Melbourne and Delhi. From super cool to ultra-sophisticated timepieces, Storm has a watch for every personality.

Storm Watches - Sleek and Sophisticated

Storm Watches - Sleek and Sophisticated

Bodi-Tox (www.bodi-tox.com). Bodi-Tox gifted their Carb Catchers Food Patches and detoxifying capsules to the interested crowd. Focusing on detoxification, Bodi-Tox’s products offer options with detox baths, body wraps and creams.

Plantronics (www.plantronics.com). The clear leader in headsets has units for all types of technology including mobile, computer, gaming, home and office. They gave celebs gift cards for their high-quality blue tooth headsets.

Shauna Sands Llamas and Famil

Shauna Sands Llamas and Family

About Platinum Publicity

Melanie Segal’s Platinum Publicity provides publicity, gifting suites, event planning, branding and strategic media planning for a variety of industries and clients. Their great gifting suites have included unique lounges prior to events such as the MTV Awards, Oscars, Emmy’s and the Kids’ Choice Awards. Please visit www.platinumpublicity.com for more information.

About the author

Helen M. Ryan